Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 7 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Eleven

When they walked outside to their awaiting car, Margaret had run into an old friend who insisted on taking her home after they shared a quick drink. Margaret brightened greatly with the invitation. After a quick goodbye to Margaret, Sophie climbed into the waiting car. A nervous excitement swelled within her when Ashton climbed in the back with her.

“You looked like you were having a good time tonight.” Sophie tried to fill the silence.

“I noticed you staring at me,” Ashton responded with a satisfied tone.

“I wasn’t staring at you. I was paying attention to where you were so I could avoid you and your groupies,” she shot back. “I want that card, by the way.”

“No,” he answered flatly, turning to look out the window as they drove. He pushed a button on his door, and the privacy screen separated them and the driver.

Sophie unbuckled her seatbelt and slid closer to Ashton. He looked at her through narrowed eyes. She slipped her hand in his jacket pocket. “I want that card.” She searched. He didn’t move, instead just watched her with an intrigued expression on his face. The card wasn’t where he initially placed it, so she began searching his other pockets. There was nothing in his jacket. She pulled his jacket open. “Where is it?” She was enjoying the search too much, and with the haze of wine in her system she was very brave.

Ashton shrugged his shoulders. He smelled heavenly. Everything about him attracted her like a starving animal to a feast. She couldn’t stop herself. The thin fabric did nothing to conceal how tantalizing his hard, hot flesh was underneath his shirt. She listened to his breathing become heavy. He still didn’t move to encourage or deny what she was doing as she continued to indulge herself. She was already in over her head, the card temporarily forgotten.

Sophie pulled her dress up and straddled him. His body stiffened under her weight, every muscle tensed with her contact. The feel of him was intoxicating, as if an electrical current surged through her, stirring a desperate heat. Sophie reached up and undid his tie, and then proceeded to undo the top button of his shirt and pulled it open to reveal the warm skin upon his neck. She leaned in and ran her tongue up the length of his neck until she grabbed his ear with her teeth.

“Fuck, Sophie!” Ashton gasped breathlessly. His hands grabbed her behind and pulled her in tighter against him. She could feel his erection throb through the material of his pants.

“I want that card,” she whispered against his lips.

“No, you don’t,” he breathed against her mouth.

Sophie leaned back. “Why?”

“Because of what he expects in return for his help.” Ashton released a deep breath, loosening his grip on her.

“What?” Sophie asked, confused.

“He wants this.” Ashton ran his finger over the curve of her breasts.

“Why do you think that?” Sophie said in a dispirited tone.

“I know of him and the way he works.”

She pulled herself from Ashton’s lap reluctantly and returned to her seat as they pulled up to Margaret’s house. Ashton kept his eyes on her until the car came to a full stop. He stepped out, holding the door open for her. Sophie climbed out and continued toward the house without looking back. Neither of them spoke.

Margaret was not long returning after them. Sophie greeted her at the door, saying goodnight before Margaret ascended the stairs to retire for the night.

Sophie poured herself a glass of water and sat down at the large island that ran the length of the enormous kitchen. She knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep after what happened in the car with Ashton. She looked at her phone and noticed a message from Jack.

Jack: How was your evening?

 

Sophie: It was wonderful except for the part where now I cannot be around Ashton without losing my head and wanting to get in his pants.

 

Jack: So nothing has changed?

 

Sophie: Guess not…it was a really nice art gallery. It was nice to dream that one day it would be my stuff up on those walls.

 

Jack: It will be.

 

Sophie: Hope so.

 

Sophie turned on her tablet and opened up Margaret’s schedule to address some changes that Margaret had mentioned before she went to bed. Sophie’s shoulders tensed as she heard footsteps coming toward the kitchen. Ashton sauntered in, making his jogging pants and T-shirt look ridiculously sexy. He walked toward the cabinet, retrieving two glasses and a bottle of whiskey. He filled the glasses with ice before pulling out the stool next to Sophie. She glanced up at him questioningly, unsure what his mood would be. He filled both glasses before sliding one in front of her. “Your favorite,” he teased. She watched his hands and noticed that even they were sensual and perfect. She couldn’t stop thoughts of how they would feel running over her naked body.

“How sweet, you remembered.” She said sarcastically.

He laughed then, a deep beautiful sound that showed a side of him that had always seemed so out of reach. His genuine smile was stunning and perfect upon his strong masculine face. He sipped the amber fluid from his glass like it was water. He didn’t mind the burning sensation and strong flavor that made her feel like she was swallowing household cleaner, without the refreshing lemon scent to accompany it.

“Let me see this.” Ashton picked up her tablet and angled it away from her.

“What are you doing?” She grabbed at it but Ashton pulled it out of her reach. “You’re making me nervous,” Sophie complained.

“Don’t I always?” He said before setting it back down in front of her. A truth or dare game was displayed on the screen. “Truth or dare?” he asked playfully.

“Oh god…really?” Sophie asked in disbelief.

“Are you chicken?” Ashton baited her.

“Fine…truth,” Sophie caved. Ashton picked up the tablet and selected truth.

He leaned in close to her ear. “What were you thinking when you were staring at me tonight?” Ashton asked mischievously, his gaze unwavering.

“That’s not what it says. You’re cheating.” Sophie tried to take the tablet from his hands but he refused to let her take it.

“You said you would play.” He raised his eyebrow.

“Argh…” Sophie picked up the glass of whiskey and took a generous sip, causing her to cough through the burning sensation. “I thought you looked nice.”

“Nice? Come on. I saw the way you were looking at me.” He pushed.

“I thought you looked incredibly hot. Okay? Are you happy now?” Sophie said impudently. Heat flooded her cheeks at her confession. “It’s not like you didn’t already know that.”

“I didn’t know that you thought that.” Ashton’s expression softened a bit.

“Like it matters,” she added as she rolled her eyes.

“It does.” He looked deep into her eyes like he was searching for something. Sophie broke the connection as the heat became too intense.

“Your turn. Truth or dare?” She held up the tablet.

“Truth,” he answered without hesitation.

“Do you want to kiss me?” The words were out of her mouth before she realized it. She wanted to take them back immediately but they were already out there, hanging between them.

“Yes,” he answered truthfully. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” Sophie didn’t want to make any more confessions that she would regret later. Was this thing between them still a game?

A slow smile curled the edges of his full lips. “Take off your shirt.”

Sophie took another drink before she stood up. Standing close enough to touch, she brushed against his leg as she slowly pulled her shirt up to reveal her flat stomach. She continued to lift it unhurriedly over the swell of her breasts, revealing her black lacy bra before she pulled it over her head. His eyes turned a dark stormy blue, his expression serious as he drank in her exposed body. He clenched his jaw and she had the urge to lean in and kiss him. To inhale his alluring scent that called to her like a drug. She threw her shirt at him and a playful smile broke across his face. What is this? How did we even get here? I don’t want it to stop!

Sophie sat back on her stool and grabbed the tablet from his hand. “Truth or dare?” She said devilishly.

“Dare.” His voice was raspy and thick. She reveled in the fact that in this moment he wanted her. She could see it in the way his gaze reflected his desire.

“Take off your shirt,” she said without even pretending to read the tablet.

Ashton reached over his shoulder and grabbed the material of his shirt, pulling it over his head in one sure motion, discarding it on the floor. A sound of appreciation slipped from the back of her throat, her insides erupting in a fire of desire as she took in all of his etched lines. His body looked as if it was carved from flawless marble.

Ashton sat back down and took the tablet. “Take off your pants.”

Sophie slid off her stool, running her fingers sensually down her stomach before her fingers slid under the waistband of her lounge pants. She shimmed them down her legs before kicking them off with a flick of her foot. Ashton’s eyes followed the length of her legs.

“Your pants,” Sophie breathed quickly. Her own desire made her words heavy in her mouth.

Ashton stood up and disposed of his pants. His hardness strained against his boxers, struggling to free itself from confinement.

Ashton leaned back on his stool and reached down with a powerful arm and pulled her stool as close as it would move against his. Sophie reached out and touched his chest—the bare flesh felt unreal under her fingers as she traced his lines. He was the embodiment of all of her desires.

Ashton’s heavy lidded gaze watched her. He looked as if he was drunk on the lust that flowed all around them and through them. She couldn’t imagine anything she wanted more than having him against her. Ashton tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, running his fingers down her neck. It caused a rush of goosebumps to cover her skin. His finger continued slowly down her chest and over the swell of her breasts before he hooked his finger under her bra, pulling her toward his lips. He lifted her onto his lap, molding her soft curves to his hard body. Her flesh was overly sensitized and everywhere she touched him felt incredible. It was mind blowing and completely new territory for her. Her hips moved of their own accord, driven by her primal need.

Sophie moaned against his lips. “I want you,” she said into her kiss. He groaned in response as if he took pleasure in her words.

Sophie pulled back from the kiss. “What are we doing?” Sophie whispered, looking into his eyes.

“What feels right,” he whispered back.

“Does it? Feel right to you, I mean?” she asked with searching eyes. His hand cupped her cheek, holding her close.

Footsteps down the hallway startled them. Sophie slid off Ashton’s lap and she grabbed her clothes off the floor before she darted toward the pantry door, shuffling inside before she swung the door closed. She tried to even her breath and slow her wild heart. I can’t believe I was making out with Ashton in Margaret’s kitchen! Holy hell! What am I doing?

Sophie peered through the narrow opening that still allowed her to spy into the kitchen. Ashton stood, shrugging on his pants before sitting back down on the chair. He acted like he couldn’t care less if he was caught making out in his grandmother’s kitchen. Was this normal behavior for him?

“Charlotte? You’re up late.” Ashton turned to acknowledge her entrance.

“Just getting a glass of water, dear. How are you?” She tilted her head in concern as she noticed Ashton’s flushed appearance. Ashton shrugged his shoulders and glanced toward the pantry door. Sophie stepped back from the opening. “Do you want to talk about it?” Charlotte asked as she patted his shoulder.

“No, not right now.” Ashton smiled at her.

“Later then,” She said before walking toward the hall. Once her footsteps faded, Sophie stepped out of the pantry.

Ashton ran his fingers through his hair and downed the rest of his glass. They both just stared at each other. Did he regret what just happened? What the hell just happened? I am terrified!

“I guess we owe Charlotte for saving us from doing something we would have regretted.” Sophie sighed. She wasn’t expecting the sharp look he threw her way, like she had wounded him with her words.

“Yeah,” Ashton responded coldly, “but it never hurts to put another notch on my belt.” He tilted his head with his familiar steely, cold gaze. The old Ashton was standing in front of her. Now looking into his eyes, all she could see was the person that only felt passionate about hurting her.

Sophie narrowed her eyes angrily. “You won’t be adding my name to your list of conquests, Ashton King. Whatever this is between us was just a momentary lapse in judgement.”

“We’ll see. You did just admit that you wanted me, after all.” He leaned against the counter smugly.

Sophie stormed out of the kitchen, leaving him to gloat in his annoying victory. He finally got her to admit that she wanted him. She wanted to crawl under a rock. How could she not see what he was doing? Her chest ached as she was suddenly racked with sorrow. When she got to her room she crawled on the bed, pulling the covers up over her head and cried until she had nothing left. Her phone vibrated; reaching for it, she noticed Jack had sent her a message.

Jack: Are you asleep?

 

Sophie: No. You’re up late. Work stuff or late night partying?

 

Jack: Couldn’t sleep. I wanted to talk to you.

 

Sophie: I’m glad you want to ’cause I need you right now.

 

Jack: Rough night?

 

Sophie: You could say that. I wish you were here. I really need a friend to tell me that everything is going to be okay.

 

Jack: If I was there with you I would wrap my arms around you and not let go until I saw a smile on your beautiful face. Even if it took hours, days even…

 

Sophie: What about months?

 

Jack: Um…months? Joking. As long as it takes.

 

Sophie: Do you know why I don’t believe in love?

 

Jack: Why?

 

Sophie: Because it doesn’t believe in me. What is wrong with me? There is too much bad history between me and Ashton. I would be a fool to think it would turn out as anything other than a complete disaster. I just don’t know how to stop wanting him and I don’t think he knows how to stop hating me. I am so confused!

 

Jack: He doesn’t hate you. You will probably find out that he has been secretly in love with you from the first moment he saw you.

 

Sophie: Ha! If only you knew, you wouldn’t say that.

 

Jack: You’d be surprised.

 

Sophie: Have you ever been in love?

 

Jack: Yes.

 

Sophie: And? What happened?

 

Jack: I will get back to you on that.

 

Sophie: That’s all. At least tell me what it feels like. So I know…please.

 

Sophie waited for a response but as the minutes passed, her eyes grew heavy. She laid the phone against her chest and let her eyes close. The vibration of the phone startled her away from her drowsy state. She held up the phone.

Jack: It’s like…hearing the most amazing song you have ever heard and no matter how much time passes or how many other songs you hear it’s the only one you want to listen to, sing to, dance to. No other song makes you feel the same. It is the rhythm of your heart from the moment you hear it.

 

Sophie: I think that is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. And you have found your song?

 

Jack: Yes.

 

Sophie: That makes me happy.

 

Jack: Me too.

Chapter Twelve

The next morning Sophie noticed a note from Charlotte saying she’d left to pick up groceries and run some errands. Sophie made some tea and settled in to read the newspaper. She got nervous as the morning proceeded with no sign of Margaret. She had morning appointments booked in her schedule. When Sophie could wait no longer, she walked up to Margaret’s door and knocked. She was only met with silence. She didn’t feel it appropriate to enter Margaret’s room without permission.

Sophie decided to wake Ashton. She stood outside his door for a moment, wondering if she should disturb him. She ran her fingers over the groove on his door and remembered what happened between them last night.

Sophie remembered Jack’s words from last night when he described what love felt like. The feelings that Ashton stirred in her were raw and powerful. She found herself wanting to play his song over and over until she knew every word so she could sing it always. She didn’t believe in love but Jack’s words seemed so fitting for how she felt about Ashton. It seemed so unfair to have no control over your own emotions and how these feelings were leading her mercilessly down a destructive path.

When she knocked on Ashton’s door, she heard a moan of protest. She waited to hear movement but she was only met with silence. She turned the handle and pushed it open cautiously. The light from the hallway spilled into his room, illuminating his still form upon the bed.

“Ashton?” Sophie walked quietly over toward his bed. “Ash?” she whispered again.

She touched the warm smooth skin of his bare shoulder. “Ashton?”

“What?” He groaned. “Come to finish what we started?” he said, pulling the covers back to expose his gorgeous body. Sophie’s eyes hungrily took him in.

“You wish.” She pulled herself back to reality. “Margaret isn’t up yet for the day and she has appointments this morning. I knocked but she didn’t answer. I didn’t want to go in. I’m worried. What should I do?”

Ashton kicked his blankets off and climbed out of bed. He wore only his boxers—she was washed with memories of last night and how close she came to giving herself to him. He was too sexy to pull her gaze away as he pulled on his pants. She was mad at herself for telling him that she wanted him last night, but it was the truth. Every part of her wanted him in so many ways. She wanted to know every part of his body. She wanted to know the Ashton that Margaret knew and loved. She wanted to hear him laugh, to be the one to make him laugh, tell her about his day and his life, and most of all she wanted him not to hate her. She watched him disappear through his door to check on Margaret.

Sophie sat on the edge of Ashton’s bed, unable to bring herself to leave. The room smelled of him and it soothed her. The sheets were warm from his body and she had to stop herself from curling up in his bed to see what it would feel like to be wrapped up in him. Sophie stood up quickly when he leaned into his room. “Cancel her morning appointments and make an appointment with Dr. Reynolds. He should be in her contacts.” He continued down the hall.

“Ashton?” she called, following. “Is she okay?”

“She’ll be fine.” Ashton stopped walking suddenly. Sophie couldn’t react fast enough, colliding with him.

“Sorry,” she muttered as she tried to right herself. Seeing him standing in the hall, his bare chest bathed in the light, his hair in sexy disarray from sleep, was breathtaking. To her horror she was literally falling all over him. She stared up into his eyes. “And I should apologize for last night.”

“What about last night?” His voice gruff.

“For saying that I would have regretted it. Even knowing what it would have meant to you, I wouldn’t have regretted it.” She whispered her secret. She felt like she needed to say it and so she let the words fall from her lips as she looked into his deep blue eyes.

“What would it have meant to me?” He clenched his jaw. There was a hint of challenge in his low voice.

“Nothing.” Sophie shrugged casually. She turned on her heel to walk away.

“Sophie?”

“Don’t, please. I don’t want you to say anything. I just needed to tell you. I have to go and make some phone calls.”

Dr. Reynolds agreed to meet Margaret at 1:00 p.m. that afternoon. Margaret slept for most of the morning before she came down in time to leave for the appointment. Sophie only managed to get her to eat a plain piece of toast and a small cup of tea before they left. Despite her tired eyes, Margaret looked every bit of the well-groomed woman she always was. She wore a dark blue pants suit with a white blouse.

“Are you trying to impress the doctor?” Sophie teased as they pulled up to the doctor’s office.

“Well, he is a very handsome man, but no. When you’re my age you always have to look your best because anything else can be scary.” She chuckled lightly.

“I can’t imagine you looking anything but beautiful, Margaret,” Sophie assured her.

“Too kind, dear.” She took Sophie’s hand and gave it a loving pat before she opened her door to leave.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come in with you?” Sophie’s worry was obvious in her tone.

“I will be fine. I’ll call you when I’m done,” Margaret insisted.

Sophie waited for Margaret to disappear inside the building before she left. She took the opportunity to finish her final report that correlated with her painting. She drove to her favorite tea café not far from where she dropped off Margaret. Once inside, she found her usual place in the corner. Sitting in the oversized armchair, she wrapped her hands around her large tea, warming her from the inside as she sipped. Sophie pulled up her file titled, Love, the Greatest Fable of All Time. She’d started her report only days ago, but the words flowed like a steady stream, pouring her thoughts upon the pages. To her, the idea of romantic love was unrealistic. To believe in something that was determined by unpredictable feelings that were as fluid as the ever flowing ocean would be unwise. It made no sense to her that people would put so much faith in the idea of love when there was no guarantee. History was full of art created under the belief that romantic love existed for them, but just as many that proved it did not. You have to love yourself because you are the only one who truly can; everything else is only a temporary illusion. Once she finished her report, she found the nearest printing location to ready it for submission. Sophie was already finished when Margaret called her phone.

Sophie was pleased to see that Margaret already looked better when she picked her up. Her color had returned and her smile was more genuine. “How are you feeling now?” Sophie asked as Margaret slid into the front seat.

“Like myself…just tired from this annoying bug I have. What’s this?” Margaret asked, pointing to the cup of coffee sitting in the cup holder.

“I got it just in case you needed it.” Sophie shrugged.

“Oh I do. You are an angel,” Margaret raved.

Margaret decided to retire to her room for the afternoon when they arrived home. Sophie left to run a few errands and drop off her report. She was officially done with all of her classes, and it felt great to turn in her last piece of work. When she returned to Margaret’s, she curled up with a book, staying close should Margaret need her. Sophie’s phone rang, pulling her from her pages.

“Hey, Mel,” Sophie answered.

“Don’t say I told you so,” Mel whispered in a hurried tone.

“Mel? You’re scaring me.” Sophie stomach dropped.

“Last night he drank way too much. Surprise,” she ended with angry sarcasm. “It’s like he doesn’t stop.”

“Where are you? Did he hurt you?” Sophie’s words were rushed as panic tightened her throat.

“That ass keeps marking me up. How am I supposed to make any money covered in bruises?” Mel fumed but kept her voice low.

“Where is he?” Sophie questioned.

“He’s here. He’s all right now, begged my forgiveness and all that shit I’m tired of hearing. He thinks I forgave him. I want to leave but I’m scared that he’ll go berserk if he sees me trying to get my suitcases out the door. He won’t let me out of his sight even to go to the washroom. I think he has a feeling I might take off.”

“What do you want me to do? Can you leave your stuff?” Sophie asked hopefully.

“No, I need my things, and if I leave it he’ll probably burn it or something,” Mel protested.

“I’m gonna come and get you. Where is his place?” Sophie was determined to get Mel out of that situation.

“It’s that old shit hole on Merrill’s street. Thanks, Sophie, you are the one person I can always count on.”

“Always, be there soon.”

Sophie hung up her phone, knowing she needed to get to Mel as soon as possible. She walked across the hall to Ashton’s room and knocked on the door. She’d heard him come back earlier from his run. “Come in,” he called distractedly.

When Sophie opened his door he was on his computer. Whatever he was doing was demanding of his attention; he didn’t look up as she walked in. “I have to call you back, Gabe,” he said before ending his call.

“What would I have to do to let me borrow your car?” she blurted.

He looked up at her with a surprised scowl. “A lot…and don’t tell me you want to borrow my car to run off to a booty call with that Sam guy.”

“What?” Sophie was confused by his comment until she remembered telling him she had a thing for Sam from work. “No…I should have known better than to ask you.” Sophie sighed as she turned to head downstairs. She knew the bus came every twenty minutes.

“Sophie…wait!” Ashton called from the top of the stairs. He was pulling a sweater on over his head, his hair still damp from his shower.

“I don’t have time, Ashton, I gotta catch the bus.”

“Stop running away from me, please…why do you need my car?” His voice was pleading. “I can tell you’re upset about something. I wouldn’t have given you a hard time if I knew it was important.”

Sophie took a deep breath and stared back at him, unsure of her next move.

“I’ll drive,” he said before walking past her and heading for the garage. Sophie followed him quietly. She didn’t explain until she slid into the passenger’s seat. “My friend Mel is in trouble with an abusive boyfriend. I have to get to her.” Sophie felt a tear slip down her cheek. She was terrified for Mel.

“Where?”

***

Sophie knocked on Corbin’s apartment door. She felt better knowing that Ashton was with her. He looked intimidating standing beside her with his tall, solid build. A stern scowl weighed upon his features, making him look fierce. Ashton was a strong contrast to her own small, non-threatening presence. He made her feel braver walking into the situation.

No one came to the door but Sophie could make out muffled voices from within. Mel hadn’t answered her phone when Sophie tried calling back. She was getting worried the situation might have took a turn for the worse.

“Who did you call, bitch?” Sophie stilled when she heard the angry male voice break the silence.

“No one.” Mel’s voice sounded small. “I didn’t call anyone.” Her words were followed by a scream that caused Sophie to panic. She banged on the door frantically, screaming for Mel to open it. Ashton threw the weight of his body into the door. His shoulder met it with a resounding crack, giving way to the force of the blow. Sophie’s eyes immediately found Mel, her hand against her reddened cheek. Tears washed down Sophie’s face without restraint. She wanted to run to Mel, but Corbin stood between them. The shock of their intrusion melted from his face to show rage rolling off him in crashing waves. He threw his beer bottle against the wall, glass showering down to the floor.

“Who the fuck are you?” Corbin hollered with a raw voice. He looked bleary-eyed and his appearance was scruffy. He was no longer the well-groomed charming guy that had swept Mel off her feet. His true colors were shining through and they were far from beautiful. Sophie felt guilty for letting her friend fall so deep into this horrible situation.

“Get Mel and get out of here,” Ashton ordered Sophie, keeping his eyes on Corbin.

“She ain’t going nowhere with you. She’s mine,” Corbin sneered.

Ashton was a good half foot taller than him, but Corbin was too drunk to notice he was at a serious disadvantage. His unfocused gaze didn’t register the danger Ashton presented. The scale was tipped in Ashton’s favor, but Corbin was unpredictable—his fuse was obviously short and he had no sense of mind in his intoxicated state.

“Let’s get your stuff.” Sophie reached out for her. Mel shot a nervous glance toward Corbin before slowly moving toward Sophie. Corbin growled before taking an exaggerated swing at Ashton. He stumbled clumsily in his drunken state, allowing Ashton an easy opening. His fist met Corbin’s face, knocking him back onto the floor amongst the broken glass. Blood exploded from Corbin’s nose, running down his face and staining his white shirt.

Sophie hurried Mel down the hall to gather her things. The sounds of the struggle between Ashton and Corbin carried down the hall, fueling their steps. Mel threw all her things in her bag, zipping it quickly before running to the bathroom. Corbin’s bedroom was in the same cluttered, untidy state as his car. Clothes covered the floor and spilled from his closet. Mel slid all her things off the bathroom counter, dropping them into another bag.

Sophie took it from Mel’s shaking hands. “Is this everything you need?” Mel merely nodded. Sophie took her hand in hers and led her back down the hall.

Corbin’s unconscious body was sprawled out on the floor. The girls looked up at Ashton, who was shaking out the pain in his hand. “He wouldn’t stop coming at me. I had to put him out.”

Mel walked up to Corbin, giving him a kick in his side. “Goodbye, fucker. Hope you have a shit life.” Mel turned around and looked at both Sophie and Ashton. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

Sophie crawled in the back seat of Ashton’s car, wrapping her arms around Mel’s shoulders. Mel was no longer shaking; relief allowed both of them to relax slightly. Sophie soothed her friend and waited for her to break the silence.

“From the look of you, you must be the guy that has been making Sophie act all weird lately.” Mel was the first to break the heavy silence.

“Mel.” Sophie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She obviously doesn’t have a filter.” Sophie sighed, her eyes meeting Ashton’s in the rearview mirror.

“Are you going to tell me who the hot guy is?” Mel insisted.

Sophie could tell Ashton was enjoying this.

“I just started working for his grandmother. He offered to drive me,” Sophie explained, hoping Mel would not dig any further. “Enough about me. Are you okay?” Sophie could see fresh bruises forming on Mel’s arms and her lip was swollen.